Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Fusion of Comfort and Flavor

Name: Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Filling: 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 1½ tablespoons cinnamon; For the Dough: 1 cup salted butter, 2 sticks, softened; 1 and ⅔ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 and ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 and ½ teaspoons cream of tartar; For Rolling: ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1½ tablespoons cinnamon

Cinnamon roll cookies are a delightful twist on two beloved treats: the warm, gooey comfort of cinnamon rolls and the crispy, sweet simplicity of cookies. This fusion creates a dessert that captivates the palate with its swirls of cinnamon sugar nestled within soft, buttery dough. In this article, we explore the ultimate recipe for making these irresistible cookies, alongside tips and tricks to ensure baking success.

Introduction to Cinnamon Roll Cookies

The history of cinnamon rolls dates back centuries, with their origin often credited to Scandinavia. These pastries have become a global phenomenon, celebrated for their rich, spiced flavor and tender texture. Evolving from this classic, cinnamon roll cookies merge the essence of cinnamon rolls with the bite-sized convenience of cookies, offering a new way to enjoy these flavors.

Creating delicious cinnamon roll cookies requires a blend of simple, quality ingredients and precise baking techniques. To dive deeper into the science behind perfect cookies, including the role of essential ingredients like cream of tartar, Evolving Table provides comprehensive insights that are invaluable to both novice and experienced bakers.

Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe Ingredients

To begin, gather the following ingredients for both the filling and the dough:

For the Filling:
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Dough:
- 1 cup salted butter, 2 sticks, softened
- 1 and ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 and ½ teaspoons cream of tartar

The role of cream of tartar is not just tradition but science, aiding in the cookie’s soft texture and complex taste. Understanding the chemistry of these ingredients can elevate your baking, as detailed by Broma Bakery’s exploration of the science behind baking cookies.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Follow these steps for a batch of heavenly cinnamon roll cookies:

Make the Cinnamon Roll Filling: Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Shape into small balls and freeze until firm.
Prepare the Dough: Beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Combine: Fold the frozen cinnamon filling balls into the dough.
Shape and Bake: Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake until golden.

The Spoon Trick for Perfect Cookies

Achieving that perfect chewy texture and beautifully rounded shape in your cookies can be as simple as employing the “spoon trick” right after baking. Here’s how to do it:

Immediately after baking, while the cookies are still very hot and soft from the oven, take a spoon (a regular teaspoon from your cutlery will do just fine).
Gently press the edges of each cookie towards the center. Be careful not to break the cookies; a light touch is all that’s needed.
This action helps compact the cookie slightly, enhancing its chewiness and forming that ideal round shape many bakers strive for.

This technique is particularly useful for cookies that have spread a bit too much during baking, helping to correct their shape and improve their texture.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

For Storing Baked Cookies:

Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make cookies soggy.
Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Keep the container at room temperature for up to a week for the best taste and texture.

For Freezing Cookie Dough:

Shape your cookie dough into balls as you would before baking.
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-lock freezer bag or an airtight container.
Label the container with the date and type of cookie dough. Frozen dough can be used within 3 months for the best quality.

For Freezing Baked Cookies:

Cool the cookies completely as described above.
Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually.
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-lock freezer bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Frozen baked cookies can be enjoyed up to 3 months later. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave if you prefer them a bit warm.

These simple yet effective tips for using the spoon trick and properly storing or freezing your cookies ensure that every batch turns out perfectly chewy, beautifully shaped, and deliciously fresh whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

Additional Baking Tips and Tricks

Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: For uniform mixing and to ensure that your cookies bake evenly, make sure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing your dough. This helps the fat in the butter to emulsify properly, incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ texture.
Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to the development of gluten, making your cookies tough instead of tender. Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. If you’re adding mix-ins like cinnamon filling or chocolate chips, fold them in gently with a spatula.

By following these tips and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can ensure your cinnamon roll cookies turn out soft, chewy, and utterly delicious every time. Whether you choose to glaze them or enjoy them as is, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

FAQs Based on “People Also Ask”

What makes cinnamon roll cookies soft and chewy?
The key to achieving that irresistible soft and chewy texture in cinnamon roll cookies lies in the use of cream of tartar. This ingredient acts as a leavening agent, which not only helps the cookies rise but also creates a tender crumb that’s characteristic of soft, chewy cookies. The acidity of cream of tartar also prevents the sugar in the cookie dough from crystallizing, ensuring that your cookies maintain their soft texture even after cooling.

Can you freeze cinnamon roll cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing cinnamon roll cookie dough is not only possible but also highly recommended for those who want to have fresh-baked cookies on hand without the prep work. Simply shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Your dough can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Do these cookies need a glaze?
While a glaze is not necessary for cinnamon roll cookies, adding a simple glaze can elevate the cookies by adding a touch of sweetness and moisture, closely mimicking the experience of eating a traditional cinnamon roll. If you choose to add a glaze, consider a simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk or cream, drizzled over the cookies once they’ve cooled slightly. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the cinnamon and sugar beautifully.